SukritiThe Evacuation Of Dunkirk
The journey was full of hardships but no fear. When the trio saw a warship catching fire, they rescued as many soldiers as they could and headed towards Dunkirk. When they finally made it to Dunkirk, the Sundowner was authorized for just 21 passengers, was compact with 75 men in the cabin and 55 on the deck. With around 130 people in his boat, Charles was yet to make an almost impossible journey back.
Dodging An Onslaught
The Nazis’ firefighter planes were targeting the boats and the most dangerous of all were the wake of huge speedy warships. He used his expertise to get the survivors to the land dodging the boat from between the German bombs. Luckily, Charles made it back to England with all the 130 soldiers safe. Where a sad news awaited him.
No Moment To Rest
Without pausing for too long, Charles wanted to go back to Dunkirk to save more lives. when he was informed by the authorities that Sundowner cannot sail to Dunkirk anymore as the government is allowing only those boats that can travel at a speed of 20 knots. Charles not only contributed but also sacrificed for his nation.
A Lasting Legacy
More than 800 ships sailed towards Dunkirk and are known as the “Little Ships of Dunkirk” that all in all saved more than 330,000 soldiers. Charles’ Sundowner wasn’t returned to him for a while. The Navy commissioned it as a service boat and as it stood as a reminder of the war. In 1946, the Sundowner was handed over to its true captain, Charles. After a long adventurous life, he chose to relax in a soothing way.
An Evergreen Sailor
During his last years, Charles Lightoller lived a simple life but he never stopped working. He built a small boatyard in West London that that manufactured motor launches for the river police. His life roles weren’t just admired by the government and the navy but the reporters and the writers.
Heart Forever At Sea
After achieving so much in his life, Charles’ feet were always grounded, reporters used to write about him and he used to stay polite with everyone. In 1952, he left the world and set off for heaven at the age of 78. Charles life was nothing less of a legacy that he left behind which still inspires people.